MS News

JOHNSON CREEK, WI — The Johnson Creek School District Board of Education is proud to announce that a mainstay of the Bluejay community, Brady Ramseier, has been appointed as the new Middle School/High School Principal.

While the title is new, Ramseier is a deeply established figure within the district. His promotion marks the next chapter in a career dedicated to Johnson Creek, where he has spent more than a decade building relationships with students, staff, and families.

Ramseier’s transition to the principal’s office follows four years of service as the District’s Athletic Director and Dean of Students. In those roles, he became a fixture at extracurricular events and a key leader in student advocacy and discipline.

Prior to his administrative work, Ramseier spent seven years in the classroom as a Science teacher at Johnson Creek MS/HS. His 11-year history in the building gives him a unique "boots-on-the-ground" perspective that the Board feels is vital for the school's continued growth.

"Brady isn’t just an administrator; he’s someone who has taught our students, coached our athletes, and mentored our staff," said Dr. O’Connell. "He knows where we’ve been and exactly where we need to go."
Before joining the Bluejay family, Ramseier taught at the significantly larger Kettle Moraine School District. While that experience provided a strong professional foundation, he often reflects on the stark contrast between a large-scale system and the tight-knit community of Johnson Creek.

For Ramseier, the "small school" environment is a deliberate choice. He frequently cites the "family atmosphere" as his favorite aspect of the district—specifically the ability to truly know every student, teacher, and parent by name.
"In a larger district, it’s easy to feel like a number, but here, everyone has a story," Ramseier said. "I’ve spent 11 years getting to know those stories, and I am incredibly honored to lead a building where the connections are so personal and the support is so genuine."

The family atmosphere Ramseier prizes at work is mirrored in his life at home. He and his wife, Lauren, are active members of the nearby Jefferson community where they are raising their three children: Cooper (5), Tiegan (3), and Mattie (1).

For Ramseier, the new role is more than just a promotion; it’s an opportunity to give back to a community that has become home.

"I am incredibly honored to serve the students, staff, and families of Johnson Creek in this new capacity," Ramseier said. "This is a special place with a tradition of excellence, and I look forward to working alongside our talented educators to ensure every student who walks through our doors is prepared for success."

JOHNSON CREEK, WI — The Johnson Creek School District Board of Education has announced the appointment of Dr. Neil O’Connell as the district’s next Superintendent and Business Official. Dr. O’Connell, currently the Middle School and High School Principal, will assume his new role on July 1, 2026.

This selection concludes a comprehensive transition process following the announcement of current Superintendent Mark Gruen’s upcoming retirement. After Mr. Gruen announced his plans to retire effective June 30, 2026, the Board of Education launched an extensive candidate search. The process involved a rigorous review of applications and a thorough interview series designed to identify a leader capable of continuing the district’s momentum.

Ultimately, the search led the Board back to a candidate already within their own hallways.

“After reviewing a strong pool of candidates from across the region, it became clear that the best person to lead Johnson Creek into the future was already here,” the School Board stated in the announcement. “Dr. O’Connell has demonstrated exceptional leadership as our Principal, and his deep understanding of our students, staff, and community makes him the ideal choice to serve as our next Superintendent.”

Dr. O’Connell brings a wealth of experience and strong academic credentials to the superintendency. He holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, business official certification from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,  and has served as the Johnson Creek Middle/High School Principal for the past decade. During his tenure, he has been an advocate for all students and fostering a collaborative environment for both students and staff.

“I am incredibly honored to be selected as the next Superintendent of the Johnson Creek School District,” said Dr. O’Connell. “This community has become my home, and I am deeply committed to our students' success. I look forward to building on the strong foundation Mr. Gruen has established and working with our talented staff and supportive families to reach new heights.”

The transition comes at a time of stability for the district. Current Superintendent Mark Gruen, will continue to lead the district through the end of the 2025-2026 school year. He will work closely with Dr. O’Connell over the coming months to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities.

“I am thrilled to pass the baton to Dr. O’Connell,” Gruen said. “Having worked alongside him, I know he possesses the vision and the heart necessary to lead this district. Johnson Creek is in excellent hands.”

Johnson Creek School District Celebrates Another Year of Outstanding Growth

The Johnson Creek School District is celebrating a milestone that reflects the hard work of our students, staff, and community. For the second year in a row, our district earned an “Exceeds Expectations” rating on Wisconsin’s state report card. This time with an even stronger showing. Our overall score rose by 4.5 points, placing Johnson Creek comfortably within the top 20% of school districts statewide.

This recognition doesn’t happen by chance. Year after year, our district has focused on long-term improvement; supporting teachers, refining curriculum, and making sure students have the tools they need to succeed. The latest report confirms that this steady, purposeful work is paying off.

District leaders noted that Johnson Creek continues to shine in several key areas, including middle-school math achievement and positive gains in student growth metrics. When compared locally, our district continues to stand out, ranking among the top schools in the Jefferson County area and placing second within the seventeen schools in the Trailways Conference that receive scores.

A District on the Rise

Superintendent Mark Gruen said the improved rating captures the spirit of the entire Johnson Creek community.  “We’re thrilled to see our district take another step forward,” he shared. “Raising our score by 4.5 points and remaining in the ‘Exceeds Expectations’ category says so much about the dedication of our teachers, the work ethic of our students, and the support we receive from families. This is a community achievement.”

One of the strongest indicators in this year’s report card is the district’s continued success with student growth. Johnson Creek’s teacher value-added score remains among the best in Wisconsin, placing in the 90th percentile. For school leaders, that number reflects the everyday work happening in classrooms.

Dr. Neil O’Connell, Principal of Johnson Creek MS/HS, emphasized the impact of strong instructional practice.  “When you look at where our students start and how far they advance, it’s clear our teachers are making a tremendous difference,” he said. “Their commitment shows up in the data, but more importantly, it shows up in the confidence and accomplishments of our students.”

Success Built by a Community

The district continues to credit families, volunteers, and local organizations for helping create an environment where students can thrive. Johnson Creek Elementary Principal Mel Enger noted that this partnership is one of the district’s greatest strengths.

“Our community shows up for kids,” Enger said. “Whether it’s encouraging literacy at home, supporting extracurriculars, or partnering with us on different programs, that shared investment has a real impact on student success.”